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The Urban District Council of

ABERDARE

ANNUAL

REPORT

of the

Medical Officer of Health

for the year

1969

J. LLEWELLYN WILLIAMS

M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. D.P.H. (Lond.)

Stephens & George Ltd., Printers, Merthyr Tydfil

The Urban District Council of

ABERDARE

ANNUAL

REPORT

of the

Medical Officer of Health

for the year

1969

J. LLEWELLYN WILLIAMS

M.R.C.S, L.R.C.P. D.P.H. (Lend.)

INDEX

Page

Health Committee, Public Health Officers . . . . 3

General Statistics. Vital Statistics. Deaths . . . . . . . . . . 5

Infant Mortality and Perinatal Mortality. Stillbirths . . . . 6, 7

Causes of Death . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9, 10

Live Births, Illegitimate Births . . . . . . . . 10

Notifiable Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1

Annual Report of Food Poisoning Notification (Corrected) .. .. 12

Public Health Act, 1936. Tuberculosis . . . . . . . . . . 13, i4

New Sewage Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

River Pollution . . . . . . 15

Water Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17, 18, 19

Atmospheric Pollution . . . . . . . . .. 20, 21, 22

Measurement of Atmospheric Pollution . . . . . . . . 23

Cinemas. Licensed Premises — Hygiene. Public Cleansing . . . . 24

Unsound Food. Bacteriological and Chemical Examinations. Food and

Drugs Act, 1955. Milk Regulations . . . . . . . . . . 24, 25

Ice Cream, Food and Drugs Act, Section 16. . .. .. .. .. 26

Food Hygiene .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 26,27

Rodent Control, Sewer Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

World Health Education Council Limited, National Assistance Act . . 29

Meals on Wheels Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Joint Day Centre, Welfare Services of the District .. .. .. .. 31,32,33

Housing Statistics . . . . . . . . . . • • • • 34

Allocation of Council Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Housing Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • • • • 36

Rent Act, 1957 . . . . . . . . ■ • • • 37

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, i960 . . . . . . 38

New Crematorium . . . . . . . . . . • ■ • • • • 3^

Summary of Work done by the Public Health Inspectors . . . . . . 39

Administration of Factories Act, 1961 . . . . • • • • • ■ 4°> 4r

HEALTH COMMITTEE

Date of Meetings: Third Tuesday in each Month at 6.30 p.m.

Chairman

Councillor: Mrs. L. G .LYNCH

Councillor D. W. GRIFFITHS
W. S. JONES
T. WILLIAMS
Mrs. E. E. BESSELL
J. M. POWELL
T. C. PHILLIPS
Mrs. P. M. JONES

Councillor W. H. LEWIS
T. E. Mc.CUE
E. D. JENKINS
Mrs. S. MORGAN
T. JONES
D. D. MORGAN
J. O’CONNELL

Ex-Officio Members

Councillor: Mrs. L. G. LYNCH
Councillor: I. W. EVANS

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICERS 1969

Medical Officer ofHealth . . . J. Llewellyn Williams, m.r.c.s., l.r.c.p., d.p.h., (lond)
Chief Public Health

Inspector John F. Jones, c.r.s.h., m.a.p.h.i.

Public Health Inspectors. . . Evan P. Evans, m.r.s.h., m.a.p.h.i.

Michael J. Kedward, m.r.s.h., m.a.p.h.i.

Alan J. Pike, m.a.p.h.i.

Pupil Public Health

Inspectors Gareth T. Evans

B. Kember

Housing Assistant D. Norman Reynolds, d.m.a.

Welfare Assistant James Connelly

Clerical Staff

. Mrs. Beryl Hardwicke
.Mrs. Myra Cornelius

.Miss Beryl Evans
Mrs. J. Rist

Chief Clerk

Second Clerk ....
Shorthand Typists

Tel. No.: Aberdare 2441

Public Health Department,
Rock Grounds,

Aberdare
5th September, 1970

To the Chairman and Members of the
Urban District Council of Aberdare

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the privilege to submit for your consideration my Annual
Report on the Public Health and Sanitary Conditions of the district,
and of the work carried out by your Officers of the Public Health De-
partment, together with the vital and other statistics for the year 1 969.
This Report has been prepared on the lines laid down in Circular 1/69
(Wales) of the Welsh Board of Health.

I would like to express to the Council my appreciation of the
interest shown by the Members in matters affecting Public Health.
I wish, also, to express my sincere thanks for the help I have received
from Mr. D. G. James, the Clerk of the Council and the Council’s
Chief Officers, the Chief Public Health Inspector, Mr. J. F. Jones, the
Public Health Inspectors, to Mr. D. N. Reynolds, Housing Assistant
and Mrs. Beryl Hardwicke, Chief Clerk and thp Clerical Staff for their
loyal support and assistance to me during the year under review.

Yours Sincerely,

|. Llewellyn Williams,

. ^

Medical O fficer of Health

M.O.H. Private Address Tel. No.: Aberdare 2980

GENERAL STATISTICS

Area of District (in acres)

Census Population (1961)

Registrar’s Estimated Population
Number of inhabited houses (3 ist December, 1969)
Rateable Value (New Valuation List at ist April, 1969)
Sum represented by a penny rate

i5,l83

39,155

38,210

i4,056

P5L23I

£3,350

VITAL STATISTICS

Live Births

650

Live birth rate per 1,000 population

. .crude
adjusted

17.0

18.5

Illegitimate live births per cent, of total live births

7.0

Stillbirths

Rate per 1,000 total live and stillbirths

17.0

Total live and still births

661

Infant deaths (Deaths under 1 year)

Infant Mortality rate per 1,000 live births — Total . .

20.0

Infant Mortality rate per 1,000 live births— legimate

17.0

Infant Mortality rate per 1,000 live births — illegitimate

65.0

Neo Natal mortality rate per 1,000 live births

150

Early neo natal mortality rate

150

Perinatal mortality rate

32.0

Maternal mortality (Including abortion)

—

Maternal mortality rate per 1,000 live and stillbirths

—

DEATHS

Deaths that actually occurred in this district

. .

458

Local residents who died outside the area

218

676

Residents of other districts who died in the Aberdare Area

. .

Corrected number of deaths . .

661

661 deaths occurred among local residents giving a death rate of 13.2 per 1,000

crude

17-3

adjusted

17-5

Death rate for 1968

. .

11. 9

Death rate for England and Wales for 1969 per 1,000 (crude)

. .

11. 9

For Glamorgan (Administrative County)

crude

13-3

adjusted

15-2

For Urban Districts

crude

13-7

adjusted

i5-5

For Rural Districts

crude

12.3

adjusted

14. 1

INFANT MORTALITY AND PERI-NATAL MORTALITY 1969

Source

Infant

Mortality

Peri Natal

Mortality

Rate per
1,000
live
births

Stillbirths
Deaths
under
one week

Rate per
1,000
live and
Stillbirths

England and Wales . .

18.0

18,894

23.0

Glamorgan County . .

20.0

366

30.0

Urban Districts

22.0

257

31.0

Rural Districts

I7.O

109

27.0

ABERDARE

20.0

32.0

Some Larger Glamorgan Districts

Barry . .

150

20.0

Bridgend

16.0

5-0

Caerphilly

25.0

36.0

Maesteg

20. 0

33-o

Mountain Ash

24.O

35-o

Neath Borough

24.O

23.0

Neath Rural . .

20.0

26.0

Pontypridd

22.0

38.0

Port Talbot . .

18.0

32.0

Rhondda Borough . .

24.0

29.0

STILL BIRTHS

The number of still births registered was n— four males, seven females. The
£ till birth rate per 1,000 registered live and still births being 17.0.

INFANT MORTALITY RATE SINCE 1916
(Number of Deaths under 1 year) per 1,000 total live births

Year

England
and Wales

Aberdare

Year

England
and Wales

Aberdare

1916

102

1943

1917

1944

1918

123

1945

1919

1946

1920

1947

1921

104

1948

1922

1949

1923

1950

29 8

33 85

1924

1951

29.6

54 28

1925

1952

27.6

36.78

1926

1953

26.8

30 80

1927

1954

25-5

26.79

1928

1955

24.9

32 67

1929

1956

23.8

28.42

1930

1957

23.0

37 64

i93i

1958

22.5

28.30

1932

1959

22.0

27.08

1933

i960

21.7

40 40

1934

1961

21 . 4

20. 10

1935

1962

21.4

36 36

1936

1963

20.9

31 • 4°

1937

1964

20. 0

27.64

1938

1965

19.0

28.65

1939

5°

1966

19 0

24 75

1940

1967

18.3

26.31

1941

1968

18.0

27.9

1942

1969

18.0

20.0

' * •■**** » “IV oiiicv ±

(Number of Deaths under 4 weeks)
per i,ooo live births

Peri-natal Mortality rate since i960
(Still births and deaths under 1 week)
per 1,000 combined total

Year

1950

1951

1952

1953
!954

1955

1956

1957

1958
!959

1960

1961

1962

1963

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

England
and Wales

Aberdare

Year

England
and Wales

18.8

20.07

i960

32.90

1783

1961

32.00

18.9

22.77

1962

30.80

17.7

2536

1963

29.30

17.7

21-43

1964

28.20

17-3

25-41

1965

26.90

16.5

23.09

1966

26.30

29.46

1967

25.40

23-05

1968

25.00

15.6

12.5

12.0

19.86

30.30

15.08
23- 14
21.49
16. 26
19.61
18. 15

r9- 73
22. 1
15.0

1969

23.00

Aberdare

44.41
34 48
38.77

29 46

30 45
3125
41.87
28.00

28.00

32.00

TABLE OF INFANTILE MORTALITY DURING THE YEAR 1969

CAUSES OF DEATH

TOTAL ALL CAUSES

Tuberculosis of Respiratory system
Malignant Neoplasm, Buccal cavity, etc.
Malignant Neoplasm, Oesophagus
Malignant Neoplasm, Stomach
Malignant Neoplasm, Intestine
Malignant Neoplasm, Lung, Bronchus
Malignant Neoplasm, Breast . .
Malignant Neoplasm, Uterus . .
Malignant Neoplasm, Prostate
Leukaemia

Other Malignant Neoplasms . .

Benign and Unspecified Neoplasms
Diabetes Mellitus
Other Endocrine etc. Diseases
Anaemias
Meningitis

Other Diseases of Nervous System, et
Chronic Rheumatic Heart disease
Hypertensive Disease
Ischaemic Heart disease
Other forms of heart disease . .
Cerebrovascular Disease
Other diseases of circulatory system
Influenza
Pneumonia

Bronchitis and Emphysema
Asthma

Other diseases of respiratory system . .
Peptic Ulcer

Intestinal obstruction and hernia
Cirrhosis of Liver
Other diseases of digestive system
Nephritis and Nephrosis
Hyperplasia of prostate
Other diseases, Genito-Urinary system
Diseases of Musculo-Skeletal system
Congenital anomalies . .

Birth Injury, Difficult Labour, etc.
Other causes of perinatal mortality
Symptoms and ill defined conditions
Motor Vehicle Accidents
All other Accidents
Suicide and self-inflicted injuries

Male

Female

Total

346

3i5

661

—

156

100

—

The following table shows the number of deaths from cancer in the area during
the past five years.

1965

F. Total

1966
F. Total

1967
F. Total

1968
F. Total

1969
F. Total

Stomach . .

I.ung

Bronchus . .

Breast

—

Uterus

—

Other

Totals

Legitimate

Illegitimate

LIVE BIRTHS

Male

Female

Total

298

604

328

322

650

Birth rate per 1,000 population being (crude) I7-°

Birth rate per 1,000 population being (adjusted) .. .. •• tS-5

1968 birth rate per 1,000 population was (adjusted) J9-2

The birth rate for England and Wales being (crude) 16.3

The birth rate for Glamorgan (administrative County) (crude) . . . . 16.3

The birth rate for Glamorgan (administrative County) (adjusted) . . 16.8

The birth rate for Urban Districts being (crude) J5 • 5

The birth rate for Urban Districts being (adjusted) 16.0

The birth rate for Rural Districts being (crude) 18.2

The birth rate for Rural Districts being (adjusted) 18.6

Illegitimate Births

The number of illegitimate births registered was 46, of which 22 were boys and
24 girls. Three deaths occurred amongst these children.

NOTIFIABLE DISEASES

During the year the following notifications were received : —

DISEASE

MALE

FEMALE

TOTAL

Scarlet Fever

Measles . .

Infective Jaundice

102

Tubercolosis

Dysentry . .

—

Food Poisoning . .

Paratyphoid

The following table shows the incidence of notification of confirmed infectious
diseases during the past seven years : —

Disease

1963

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

Scarlet Fever

Whopping Cough

—

Measles

112

167

188

173

Paratyphoid

—

Dysentery (Sonne)

Food Poisoning

—

Meningococcal Infection . .

—

Erysipelas . .

—

Puerperal Pyrexia

—

Ophthalmia Neonatorum

—

Pneumonia

—

Poliomyelitis-Paralytic

—

Infective Jaundice. .

—

102

Acute Encephalitis

—

FOOD POISONING

Food Poisoning incidents are divided into three categories:

1. General Outbreak two or more cases in different families due to a common cause.

2. Family Outbreaks two or more related cases in the same household.

3. Sporadic Cases single cases which are isolated occurrences.

Incidents are reported to the Health Department of the Welsh Office as they
occur, and the Annual Return of Food Poisoning for this district for the year ended
31st December, 1969, contained the following information:

General Outbreaks

Sporadic Cases

Total No. of

Cases

No. of Separate

No. of Cases

Notified and

Outbreaks

Ascertained

Notified

Ascertained

At the beginning of the Autumn, two separate cases of Food Poisoning were
notified — one by a General Practitioner and one from the Isolation Hospital. In the
history of both cases, a wedding reception was mentioned. Enquiries then established
that the wedding reception was the same in both cases, and further enquiries disclosed
that approximately forty of the seventy-five guests present at the wedding reception
were suffering from symptoms suggestive of food poisoning.

Faecal swabs were taken from all the guests resident in this area and positive
results were obtained in forty-six cases — the organism isolated being Salmonella-
Heidelburg.

While the majority of guests were resident within this area, a small number
lived elsewhere and the respective Medical Officers of Health of those areas were
informed of the situation. The caterers for the reception operated from premises
situated outside the Aberdare district and the appropriate authority was advised of
the occurrence.

Three of the local cases were admitted to hospital and some were quite ill.
The remainder were treated at home by their family doctors who were kept fully
informed of events and received full reports from the Public Health Laboratory on
all their patients. Repeat swabs were taken in all confirmed cases especially where
these patients were by occupation, food handlers, and this was followed by appropriate
precautions taken to prevent the spread of infection.

Close contact was maintained with all the Medical Officers of Health concerned
and especially with the Medical Officer of Health for the district from which the
caterers operated, who kept me informed of the progress of investigations in his area.
However, the time between the date of the wedding reception and the first notification
of suspected Food Poisoning — a period of five days — meant that possible food sources
were no longer available for examination.

The Public Health Department in Aberdare, however, is indebted to the local
General Practitioners and to the hospital for the telephoned notifications, and, in
particular for the information supplied therewith which enabled the Department to
deduce that these two separate cases were related, and so instigated the commencement
of investigations leading to the discovery and containment of the outbreak in this
area.

PARATYPHOID

Two cases of paratyphoid were discovered in the Aberdare area, both of whom
had been on holiday in the same hotel at Bemdorm in Spain.

The first case was discovered when a local General Practitioner submitted a
faecal swab for bacteriological examination, and the second case, which incidentally
was symptomless, was brought to light as a result of following up local contacts.

Investigation of contacts further afield, who had been on the same package
holiday, led to the discovery of two more cases of paratyphoid in the Bristol area.

With more and more people going abroad for their holidays, all concerned
must be alive to the likelihood of such incidents occurring with increasing frequency.

TUBERCULOSIS
Public Health Act, 1936, Section 172

The number of new cases notified in 1969 was:-
Tuberculosis Pulmonary . . . . . . . . • • 9

Cases of Tuberculosis admitted to Sanatoria in 1969 . . 2

Cases of Tuberculosis discharged from Sanatoria in 1969 2

The following tables give the age and sex distribution of persons notified as
suffering from Tuberculosis and of those who died from the disease:-

New Cases Notified

Deaths

Age

Periods

Respira-
tory
M.. F.

Menin-
gitis
M. F.

Other
forms
M. F.

Respira-
tory
M. F.

Menin-
gitis
M. F.

Other
forms
M. F.

0 to 5
5 to 14
15 to 24 . .
25 to 44 . .
45 to 64 . .
65 & over
Age unk’n

2 I

3 —

I —

— —

2 —

— —

Totals

8 1

— —

3 —

— —

The following table shows the incidence of Tuberculosis in the district for the
past 20 years.

Year

Cases N

OTIFIED

Deaths 1

Notified

Respiratory

Other Forms

Respiratory

Other Forms

1950

i95i

1952

I I

1953

104

1954

1955

1956

1957

—

1958

—

1959

—

i960

—

1961

1962

1963

—

1964

1965

1966

—

1967

—

1968

—

1969

—

NEW SEWAGE WORKS

During 1969 work commenced on the Cynon Valley Sewage Disposal Works.
This is a joint project of the Aberdare and Mountain Ash Councils and will concentrate
in one modern works the treatment of sewage from the Cynon and Clydach Valleys.
This modern activated sludge method of sewage treatment will completely replace
the old works, and the scheme is designed to meet the needs of a future population
increase.

It is estimated that the new works at Cwm Farm, Abercynon, will be operational
in the autumn of 1972.

RIVER POLLUTION

The state of the River Cynon within the area has been maintained in a reason-
ably satisfactory condition throughout 1969.

During the year the River Cynon remained clean but the River Dare was
subjected to considerable pollution by oil and slurry from the Bwllfa Tip recovery
operations. This diminished as the year progressed and the river became quite clean
after the operations ceased in the autumn.

In general, efforts to improve the cleanliness and purity of the waters of the
several rivers in the area continue, and these efforts include close co-operation with
the River Board; continual consultation with industrialists; prohibition of the dis-
charge of effluents into the rivers; pre-treatment of trade effluents prior to the accep-
tance of these into the Council sewers. Improvements are also being brought about
and maintained by insistence on close observation of the conditions attached to planning
consents on coal washing plants connected with tip recovery, and constant surveillance
of permanent washeries operated by the National Coal Board.

WATER SUPPLY

The whole of the water supply of the Urban Area is supplied by the Taf Fechan
Water Board and is derived from seven sources, six of which lie within the Urban
Area.

Reservoir

Capacity in
Gallons

Area Supplied

NANTHIR ( Situated on the mount-
tainside above Llmydcoed)

40,000,000 Llwydcoed, Ysguborwen,

Graig Place, Abernant,
Maesyffynon, Godreaman
(West of Jubliee Road),
Forge View area, North View
Terrace, Cwmbach (part).

NANTMOEL. ( Situated on the
mountainside above Llmydcoed)

67,000,000

Hoovers, Cables, Trecynom
Trefelin to Park Schools>
Roberstown, part of Aber-
aman to Abercwmboi.

BWLLFA (Graig Storage Ponds)
{Situated in the Bmllfa Cmmdare
Village)

7,000,000

Foundry town Daviestown
Town Centre, Maesydre,
Gadlys (to Park Grove),
Plasdraw Area, Sunnybank
Street.

NANTAMANFACH {Situated
in the hollow of the Hafod Wen
mountain Cwmaman )

60,000

Part of Aberaman, part of
Godreaman, Incline Row.

PWLLFA {Situated at Ffyrnant in
in the hollow of the Ffaldau and
Coedcae Mountains, Cwmaman.
Catchment area reinforced by
pumping from impounded flow
from the old Bedlwyn Level).

160,000

Woodland Terrace to Glyn-
hafod Street.

TAF FECHAN WATER BOARD
Upper Neuadd . .

Lower Neuadd

Taf Fechan

340.000. 000
74,000,000

3.400.000. 000

'Crocsbychan, Hirwaun,

Penywaun, Hirwaun Road,
Cwmdare, Trecynon (Cem-
etery Lodge to Park Lane),
Llewellyn Street.

Bacteriological and chemical analyses were made from samples taken from distribution points at weekly intervals.
A table showing the results of bacteriological and chemical tests on the filtered supplies is given below: —

The Taf Fechan Water Board were supplied with copies of the Analyst’s report.

Number of dwelling houses .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14,135

Number of population supplied from public water mains:

direct to houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38,210

SWIMMING BATHS AND PADDLING POOL

WATER SUPPLY

At the end of the summer certain difficulties arose in parts of the area served
by the Nanthir and Nantmoel reservoirs. The complaints received were mainly in
relation to the discolouration of the drinking water.

Enquiries of the Taf Fechan Water Board elicitated the fact that these difficulties
had arisen as a result of the construction of a North Sea Gas main across the gathering
grounds with the concomitant disturbance of the soil. Movement of vehicles caused
some soil disturbance but the active operations of stripping top soil and the digging
of trenches aggravated this to an extreme degree and when the contamination of main
feeder streams took place the ensuing run-off made the water almost untreatable due
to the clay particles picked up. These conditions imposed undue strain on the treat-
ment plant at the reservoir and were the basic cause for the deterioration in the quality
of the water supply.

Consultations with the Taf Fechan Water Board revealed what proceedural
steps they were taking to counteract the situation and also led to the introduction of
certain protective measures to ensure the safety of the water supply.

Contamination of the reservoir by particles of finely suspended clay will continue
to create problems of treatment for some time yet to come.

ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION

1969 proved yet another year of perisistent endeavour to reduce the level of
pollution of the atmosphere arising from the Phurnacite Plant at Abcrcwmboi.

Many meetings were held at various levels with the National Coal Board, and
at these meetings, every conceivable measure to reduce pollution at the plant was
critically examined.

Throughout the year, the plant itself was kept under very careful surveillance,
but despite everything that has been done, I regret that my report is not wholly en-
couraging.

To illustrate some of the difficulties that were encountered, mention must be
made of the period in the middle of the year when the performance of the plant was
particularly bad, in terms of atmospheric pollution.

It was only after careful and prolonged enquiry and not inconsiderable pressure
on the management that it was acknowledged that this state of affairs was largely
due to the use of unsuitable coal from a new source.

The problem was eventually resolved in October, 1969 when a system of
“coal-blending” was successfully adopted.

It is generally known that in 1968 pursuant to planning consent, the New Number
6 Battery became operational, and 1969 saw its first year of uninterrupted production
which provided an opportunity for assessing the extent to which the modifications
and improvements incorporated in the battery, had contributed to a reduction in
pollution.

A condition of the planning consent was that the detailed design for the new
building should incorporate all such practicable constructional features as would be
likely to reduce the incidence of atmospheric pollution and should include in particular
an independent quenching tower designed to limit grit emission during quenching in
the production process.

As a result, the Battery incorporated the following new features:

(1) Sealed Chamber method of charging the oven with improvement to the exhaust
system.

(2) Grit arrester on the quenching process.

(3) Decarbonising system to prevent carbonising of the duct flues.

It is depressing to reflect that items (1) and (2) above, designed to limit the
emission of dust and fumes from the charging and quenching processes respectively
were suggested to the National Coal Board by the Aberdare Urban District Council
as long ago as 1948, but were deemed by the Board then, and indeed until now, “to be
impossible.”

The main benefit to be expected from (3) above, i.e. the Decarbonising system
was a more even and consistent flow of heat throughout “the charge” in the oven,
leading, to, not only a better final product, but more important from the point of view
of pollution — a clearer and quicker discharge, when the ovens were emptied.

It is difficult for the general public to assess the benefits derived from these
improvements because of the excessive pollution from the older batteries, but close
observation of the charging, discharging and quenching processes, suggest that this
new battery, although not free from pollution, is very much better in this respect,
than the old ones.

It is, therefore, pertinent to note how soon the older batteries are likely to
be replaced by ones similar to the new No. 6 Battery.

On the basis that each battery has a working life of 15 years, and provided that
the National Coal Board adhere to their stated programme of replacements, the following
timetable should apply:

„ Proposed, date of

ery complete renewal

1. (Reconstructed and commissioned on 29th September, 1961 (originally tgj6
built in 1942).)

2. (Ceased operating on the 30th November, 1969 — replaced by No. 6

Battery.)

5-
7-

1971

1972

1973

New (Under construction incorporating refinements)

This then is what can be expected if the Balfour Pilot Plant does not prove

a success.

If, on the other hand, the Balfour Plant comes up to expectations, it is hoped
that future replacements will be by this process and so see the end of the Disticoke
batteries, which in spite of the improvements such as those on No. 6 Battery, are not
in my opinion capable of complete control from the point of view of pollution.

In view of what has been said above, it is perhaps appropriate to conclude by
summarising the position relating to the experimental Balfour Plant.

Readers of previous reports will recall the visit to the National Carbonising
Company Limited at Mansfield in September, 1967, when, after inspecting the Balfour
Retort process under operational conditions it was felt, and indeed National Coal
Board representatives who were present were optimistic, that this process, if intro-
duced at Abercwmboi, would indeed provide the solution to the atmospheric pollution
experienced there.

1969 saw the actual construction of a 125 ton per day Balfour pilot plant at the
Phurnacite Plant and the first trial run took place in September of that year. Re-
grettably its initial trial run lasted only 36 hours when the plant developed faults which
caused its hurried shut-down. These faults took the form of a mass consolidation of
Che waste gas tubes and ducting by pitch with entrained dust, and it became necessary
to dismantle a large part of the plant in order to remove the obstruction.

It was evident from my talks with persons involved in the design and con-
struction of the plant that large scale modifications would have to be made before
further trials could begin. The end of the year saw “Balfour” awaiting modifications
which were, in fact, well in hand at that time. It is more than unfortunate that the
plant got off to a bad start and I only hope the troubles are smaller than I imagine.

Comparative Statistical Information

Included once more in this Report are, the tables showing the results of the
analyses made, during the year, of the deposits at the atmospheric pollution measuring
stations set up in various points in the Aberdare and Mountain Ash Urban Districts.
As in previous years, these results continued to be submitted to the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research and National Coal Board, as well as being reported
periodically, to the two Councils concerned.

As a rough and by no means scientific guide, an approximation of the standards
of pollution to be expected in the varying atmospheric conditions to be found in the
country, a clean town and a “black” area of dense population and heavy industrial
development, is given below.

Reports to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research are now given
in metric measurement and from next year onwards, in order to standardise, it will
be necessary for me to report results in the metric form.

Finally the warning is reiterated as to the dangers arising from efforts to produce
from these figures, scientific conclusions rather than, as is the intention, material
of general interest value.

Classification

A. Clean . .

B. Fairly clean

C. Dirty . .

D. Very Dirty

Total Solids

. .Less than 12,5 tons per square mile.

. .12.5 to 37.5 tons per square mile.

• -37-5 t0 62.5 tons per square mile.

. .In excess of 62.5 tons per square mile.

COMPARATIVE STATISTICAL INFORMATION
MEASUREMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION

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CINEMAS

All existing cinemas within the area are provided with adequate and satisfactory
toilet arrangements. However, periodic vandalism does create problems for the manage-
ment and staff, who do endeavour to repair the damage with the minimum of delay.

During the year the Health Committee approved certificates of fitness with re -
gard to First Aid, Fire Fighting, etc., and electrical installations. This service is
administered by the Clerk of the Council.

LICENSED PREMISES— HYGIENE

Periodic inspections are made by the Public Health Inspectors of all licensed
premises within the «e«. Generally, the conditions are satisfactory, but with the
increase of “pub” catering, more stringent control is now necessary.

Whilst the main purpose of inspection is to ensure that compliance with the
relevant Food Hygiene Regulations is observed, repairs to living quarters are often
secured.

It is hoped that a complete survey of all licensed premises within the area will
be carried out early in 1970, a more comprehensive report being available by next
year.

Again I wish to stress the close liason that exists between the police and the
Public Health Department, with regard to hygiene and inspection of licensed premises
within the district.

UNSOUND FOOD

Miscellaneous articles of food of the above description condemned as unfit
for human consumption amounted to 6 tons, 8 cwts. and 28 lbs.

Condemned foodstlff was disposed of with proper care at the L.A.’s tip. The
tip is under regular inspection by the Public Health Inspectors.

BACTERIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL EXAMINATIONS

I must again express my gratitude to Dr. L. E. Coles, Public Analyst, and
to Dr. R. W. S. Harvey of the Public Health Laboratory for the advice and assistance
I have had from them in connection with the wide variety of chemical and bacteriological
analyses and investigations which they have carried out on behalf of the Local Authority.

FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1955

The Council is the Food and Drugs Authority for the District and during
the year the number of samples taken and submitted to the Public Analyst, approx-
imated to one sample per 129 members of the population.

The number of samples taken during the year for qualitative analysis was 2($^
comprising 53 milks, 225 other foods, 2 of which were found to be unsatisfactory and
21 drugs.

Miscellaneous examinations carried out as a result of complaints by private
purchasers — 18.

MILK (SPECIAL DESIGNATION) REGULATIONS, 1963

Number of Sterilizing Plants Licensed. . . . . . . . . 1

Number of Pasteurising Plants licensed. . . . . . . . . 1

Number of dealers authorised to use the special designation “ Pasteurised.” . . 23

Number of dealers authorised to use the special designation “ Sterilized.” . . 22

Number of dealers authorised to use the special designation “ Untreated.” . . 3

Number of dealers authorised to use the special designation “ W.H.T.” . . 12

REPORT ON BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF MILK

44 samples of pasteurised milk, 2 of sterilised milk, 10 of Channel Island pas-
teurised milk and 1 of Homogenised pasteurised milk were taken for bacteriological
examination during the year. All the samples were found to be satisfactory.

EXAMINATION OF MILK FOR TUBERCLE BACILLI

A total of 4 samples of untreated milk were taken for Tubercle Bacilli and all
were found to be satisfactory.

EXAMINATION OF MILK FOR BRUCELLA ABORTUS

3 samples of untreated milk were taken and examined for Brucella Abortus
and all were satisfactory.

EXAMINATION OF MILK FOR ANTIBIOTICS

3 samples of untreated milk were taken and examined for Antibiotics and all
were satisfactory.

MILK AND DAIRIES REGULATIONS, 1949

Number of Dairies Registered previously.

Number of Dairies Registered during 1969.

Number of Dairies closed during 1969

Total

ICE CREAM

All the shops and premises where ice cream is sold and prepared for sale were
inspected by the Public Health Inspectors during the year. Vehicles used for the sale
of ice cream were also inspected and kept under observation.

The Ice Cream (Heat Treatment) Regulations prescribe the method by which
ice cream is manufactured and the occupiers of all registered premises within the district
are aware of the requirements of these regulations, and I am pleased to report that
any suggestions made have readily been complied with.

During the year .ho- new applications were received for the registration of
premises for the purpose of the sale of ice cream.

Samples of ice cream were taken during the year for qualitative analysis and
for Bacteriogical examination.

FOOD AND DRUGS ACT— SECTION 16

Number of premises registered for manufacture of ice cream 3

Number of premises registered for manufacture of ice cream during 1969

Number of premises or vehicles registered for the sale of ice cream prior to 1969 200

Number registered during 1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

202

FOOD HYGIENE (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1960-63
The Public Health Inspectors continue their work of education in food hygiene,
together with the inspection and supervision of all premises involved in the handling,
preparing and storage of food.

Summary of Food Premises in the area.

Type of Shop

No.

No. of Premises
Fitted to Com-
ply with Regu-
lation 16
(W.H. Basins)

No. of Premises
to which Reg-
ulation 19
applies
(Sinks)

No. of Premises
fitted with
W.H. Basins
and
Sinks

Grocers . .

General Dealers

Greengrocers

Cakes and Confections . .

Restaurants

Butchers

Fish and Chips

Wet Fish. .

Supermarkets

Chinese Food to Take
Away

TOTAL

209

195

204

192

Type of Shop —

Lock-up Shops . . . . . . • • • • • • *5^

Parlour Shops . . . . . . • • • • • • 53

Total . . 209

New shops opened during the year . . . . . . 2

Shops closed during the year . . . . . . . . 1

Number of inspections of food premises carried out
during 1969 • • 779

As in previous years, I have to report that the general standard both of the lay-
out and maintenance of the shops within the area is on the whole satisfactory.

LIQUID EGG (PASTEURISATION) REGULATIONS, 1963

(i) Number of Egg Pasteurisation Plants within District — Nil
(») Number of Liquid Egg Submitted to Alpha-Amylase Test — Nil

POULTRY INSPECTION

Number of Poultry Processing Premises within the District — Nil.

THE FOOD HYGIENE (MARKET STALLS AND DELIVERY VEHICLES

REGULATIONS, 1966

During the year 78 inspections were carried out by the Public Health Inspectors
on Mobile food vendors and delivery vehicles. On the whole the facilities provided
were satisfactory, the few defects existing being remedied immediately by informal
action.

RODENT CONTROL

PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949

During the year, work on the destruction of rats and mice was continued and
two operators were employed full time by the Council.

The operators also carried out two maintenance treatments of the sewers in
the area during the year.

Particulars of other treatments carried out during the year will be found below:

Type of Property

Non-

Agricultural

1. Number of Properties in district

15,561

2. (a) Total number of properties (including

nearby premises) inspected following
notification.

558

(b) Number infected by (1) Rats

447

(2) Mice

III

3. (a) Total number of properties inspected

for rats and for mice for reasons other
than notification.

328

( b ) Number infested by (1) Rats

(2) Mice

Sewer Treatments

Two treatments of the sewers in the area were carried out during 1969 and
consisted of baiting th£ manholes twice at weekly intervals using a bait made as follows —
85% Pin head Oatmeal 5% Mineral Oil

5% Sugar 5% Warfarin

0.5% Para-nitro-phenol

Some brief particulars of the treatment are given below : —

First treatment completed in April, 1969 —

No.

m’holes

No.

Baited

Test Bait

Poison Bait

No. of
m’holes
not bait’d

No. of gd
& com.
takes

No. of

small

takes

No. of
no takes

No. of gd
& com.
takes

No. of

small

takes

No. of
no takes

559

545

—

476

525

Second treatment completed in October, 1969

No.

m’holes

No.

Baited

Test Bait

Poison Bait

No. of
m’holes
not bait’d

No. of gd
& com.
takes

No. of
small
takes

No. of
no takes

No. of gd
& com.
takes

No. of

small

takes

No. of
no takes

559

53i

458

506

WORLD HEALTH EDUCATION COUNCIL LIMITED

The Aberdare Urban District Council continues to make an annual contribution
to the World Health Education Council which was established for the purpose of
promoting and encouraging education and research in the art and science of healthy
living and for assisting local authorities in so far as their work comprises propaganda
directed to the safeguarding of public health.

Medical Examination of Council Employees
During the year 85 persons have been medically examined. The examinations
were for the purpose of the Council’s Superannuation Scheme, applications for
Breakdown Pensions and the Council’s Sick Scheme.

NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 to 1962

National Assistance Act, 1948 (Amendment) Act, 1962

(a) Removal to suitable premises (Section 47)

No action was taken by the Council under this provision of the Act, during
the year.

(b) Burial of the Dead (Section 50)

No expenditure was incurred under this section during the year ended 31st
December, 1969.

The above Act places a duty upon the County Council to provide temporary
accommodation for persons in urgent need thereof.

The County Council have approved proposals for the discharge of the above
responsibility by securing the right to use certain premises in all areas of the
County to provide accommodation for persons rendered homeless.
Accommodation has also been established by the County Council at Rhoose
Camp for families who, in the main, have been rendered homeless by eviction
from their homes.

In addition to the above the County Council have approved a scheme for
affording financial assistance towards the provision of “ Intermediate Ac-
commodation” by Housing Authorities, and contributes to the cost of the
scheme.

Since 1964 there is provided at the Old Isolation Hospital, Llanwonno Road,
Mountain Ash four units for use as intermediate accommodation. The scheme
is administered through a Joint Committee of the three Councils viz:- Aberdare,
Mountain Ash, and Pontypridd whose functions are: —

(i) To select tenants to occupy the accommodation from “Homeless Family”
cases presented to them by the Medical Officers of Health for the three
Councils.

(ii) To review, in the light of Reports by the said Medical Officers of Health,
the progress of any “ Problem Families ” so accommodated, towards
rehabilitation.

(iii) To decide when tenancies shall be terminated, subject, however, to a
maximum period in all cases, of six months.

(iv) To commend to the Council from whose District any tenant is admitted
to the accommodation any such tenant considered worthy of normal
rehousing in the District concerned, whether as a result of rehabilitation
or otherwise.

The term “ Homeless Family ” includes not only “ Problem Families ” from
Council owned and private accommodation in the three districts, but also
those rendered homeless for any other cause and for whom no other normal
housing accommodation is immediately available.

The main advantage of providing “ Intermediate Accommodation ” is that the
whole family is kept intact, as opposed to Rhoose Camp, where only the mother
and children are accommodated.

MEALS ON WHEELS SERVICE
REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1969

Throughout 1969 the service has continued to provide three meals per week
to all recipients. Where required in an emergency up to five meals per week has been
supplied for short periods.

With the opening of St. Mary’s Social Centre on the 16th June, preparation
of meals was transferred from Aberdare Cables and Helliwell Limited to the Centre
by the 21st July.

The following statistics have been compiled and cover the year ending 3 ISC'
December, 1969.

Canteen

Ordered

Returned

Delivered

Cables

4,023

4,oi5

Helliwells. .

• 1

21,248

21,183

Centre

22,889

—

22,889

TOTAL

48,160

48,0^

Total number of meals delivered since inception of service — 183,107
During the year 102 new customers wrere accepted.

Cancellations due to deaths were

Cancellations due to illness, diets, moving to Hostel

or w'ith relations — 37.

Number requiring 3 meals per week

328

Number requiring 2 meals per week

Number requiring 1 meal per week
Special

Number requiring 5 meals per week

Number of customers on list

375

Figures issued by the Glamorgan County Council show that there are 5,400
persons aged 65 and over, resident in the Urban District. The number of persons
receiving meals on wheels is 7% of this number.

Old Peoples’ Welfare

As in previous years the Council has confined to provide tickets for a one
weeks stay at “ The Rest,” Porthcawl. This year 42 tickes were distributed through
the 14 Old Age Pensioners Branches in the area, on the understanding that all old
people resident in the area were eligible for a ticket.

A sum of £300 was distrubuted to the 14 Branches in the area in connection
with Old Peoples’ Week. This was to enable branches to provide a function to which
all old people could be invited.

ST. MARY’S JOINT DAY CENTRE

The St. Mary’s Joint Day Centre, mentioned in last year’s Report as being
under construction, was completed during the early months of the year and officially
opened on Saturday, 14th June, 1969, by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
for Wales, Mr. Ifor Davies, M.P. for Gower. In his address, Mr. Davies referred to
the role of the centre in helping to meet the needs of an ever growing population of
elderly people and in making a contribution to the rehabilitation and independance
of the disabled.

The St. Mary’s Joint Day Centre at Aberdare is a joint project between Aberdare
Urban District Council and the Glamorgan County Council to provide social, re-
creational and cultural facilities for the elderly and handicapped, and has been planned
on the basis that the many features to such a project, such as recreation, dining and
possibly occupational therepy facilities, can be enjoyed in common by both groups.

It is designed to cover all aspects of welfare for the elderly and handicapped.
Once inside the centre there are no steps or changes of level to negotiate, all corridors
are fitted with hand rails, and entrance to all rooms and toilets can be made by a wheel-
chair. Three lounges are available, all furnished with fitted carpets, comfortable
and suitable armchairs, which allow for the difficulties experienced by some elderly
people in rising from them. Two of the lounges have television sets installed and all
lounges have speakers which can broadcast two radio programmes, a record programme
or even a concert which may be taking place in the main hall. The main lounge is
also a reading room, where magazines, books and daily newspapers are available,
whilst in the men’s lounge or smoke room indoor games such as table skittles, draughts,
chess, dominoes and card games are available.

The main hall which is a multi purpose room, can seat up to 300 people, although
this capacity is restricted to allow extra space between the rows of seats. The hall can
be divided to provide two separate rooms, which are suitable for lectures or displays.
The floor is a spring dance floor and in addition to cinema shows and concerts, Olde
Time dances have been held. The stage for the hall is equipped with spotlights,
dimmer lights and a full draw curtain. Exit and entrances can be made from two
sides by steps and at the rear by a ramp which is suitable for wheelchairs. A full
programme of concerts and feature film shows has been held, of which the inaugural
concert was provided by the Cwmbach Male Voice Choir.

The upper half of the hall is used by the Glamorgan County Council to provide
recreation and handicrafts for the handicapped Deaf and Blind. Adjacent to the hall
a is small kitchen, where teas and snacks are provided for those attending the classes.

The main kitchen in the centre can provide up to 500 meals per day, cooked
on modern equipment and served either through a cafeteria system in the dining
room or by means of self heating containers to the “meals on wheels service”. Up
to the 31st December, 1969, a total of 38,752 meals had been provided, of which
1 41877 were served at the centre and 22,889 were provided for the meals on wheels
service. The present average is roughly 1,000 meals per week over five days for the
rneals on wheels and 100 per day for six days to members at the centre in two sittings.
On the Saturday before Christmas a traditional Christmas lunch was provided for
over 300 members. It is estimated that in 197° a total of 84,000 main meals will be
produced. As well as a main meal, which is subsidised by the Council and costs i/6d.
normal cafe facilities are available and include morning coffee, afternoon tea and
supper snacks all at reasonable prices.

• u facilities *°r crafts at centre include a carpentry workshop fully equipped
with aJI hand tools, electric drills and attachment for power tools. A class is held
each luesday and several members take advantage of this to do small household
repairs and make small items of furniture. A sewing room is provided with special
sewing machine table equipped with one hand and one electric sewing machine Classes
are held for sewing, dressmaking and quilting. The three instructors all give their
services voluntarily and no charge is made other than for the purchase of materials

It was difficult to forecast the extent to which the Centre would be used as
it is the first of its kind and an innovation in Aberdare. To ensure that it would not
be too crowded for comfort, the age limit for full members (who are entitled to use
all the facilities) was set at 65 for men and women. To allow others to participate
in the social side a category of Associate members was introduced and opened to
all of 60 years of age or over and the husbands or wives of Full or Associate members.
Both classes of members are restricted to residents of the Urban District of Aberdare.

The centre, open from 10. o a.m. to 10. o p.m. from Monday to Saturday,
has been well patronised and is much appreciated by the members. Perhaps the
hardest thing to create in a venture of this sort is the ‘right’ atmosphere, and I am
happy to report that thanks to the quality, good will and enthusiasm of the staff of
the Centre, this has been achieved.

GENERAL HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES OF
THE DISTRICT

1. Services provided by the Glamorgan County Council

(a) Maternity and Child Welfare, Midwifery, Home Nursing, Home Help, Chirop-
ody, Distribution of Welfare Foods, Issuing of Sick Room Requisites, School
Medical and Health Visiting.

These services are administered by the Divisional Medical Officer.

Headquarters : Divisional Health Office, New Clinic Buildings,

Rock Grounds, Aberdare. Tel. No. Aberdare 2497/8.

(b) Mental Health Service

The duly authorised officers for this area are: —

Mr. N. Cox, 169 Kenry Street, Tonypandy.

Mr. B. H. Kevis, 34 Treneol, Cwmaman, Aberdare.

The Ambulance Station for this area is situated at: —

Hawthorn, Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, Glam., Tel. No. Pontypridd 2522.

(d) Welfare Service

Officers of the Welfare Service are available to offer advice and assistance to
those in need of hostel accommodation, the blind and the handicapped.

The local office for this area is at: —

Area Office : Llewellyn Street, Trecynon, Aberdare, Glam.

Tel. No. Aberdare 3018.

(e) Children’s Department .

The office of the Children’s Department of the County Council is at Greytnars
Road, Cardiff, Tel. No. Cardiff 28033.

There is, however working in this district, a Children s Visitor.-

Miss A. Colly-Priest, c\o Children’s Department, Courthouse St., Pontypridd.

Tel. No. Pontypridd 2275.

(/)

Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages

This area comes under the Pontypridd District and the Superintendent s
Office is at Courthouse Street, Pontypridd ,Glam. Tel No. Pontypruld 3122
The local Registrar is Mr. Dilwyn Jones, Registrar s Office, 21 Cardiff Street,
Aberdare. Tel. No. Aberdare 2008.

1. Probation Officers

The address of the Principal Probation Officer is at St. Catherine’s Chamber,
Mill Street, Pontypridd, Glam., Tel. No. Pontypridd 2157. ..

For this area the Probation Officers are: —

Mr. Charles Jenkins and Miss E. Parker, Probation Officers Office,

21 Cardiff Street, Aberdare. Tel. No. Aberdare 2901.

The Youth Employment Officer for this area, is Mr. W. V. McCarthy,

Youth Employment Bureau, Wind Street, Aberdare, Glam.

Tel. No. Aberdare 2795.

2. Hospital Services provided by the Welsh Regional Hospital Board
Hospital facilities for this area are administered by the Merthyr & Aberdare
Hospital Management Committee. The office of this Committee is at St. Tydfil’s
Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam., Tel. No. Merthyr 3401.

The following is a list of the hospitals and clinics used by the residents of the area
Aberdare General Hospital, Abernant, Glam.

Tel. No. Aberdare 2411.

Fedw Hir Convalescent Hospital, Llwydcoed, Aberdare, Glam.

Tel No. Aberdare 2612.

Mountain Ash General Hospital, Caegarw, Mountain Ash, Glam.

Tel No. Mountain Ash 2212.

Mardy Isolation Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam. ( For Infectious Diseases)

Tel. No. Merthyr 3581.

Pontsarn Chest Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam.

Tel No. Merthyr 2278.

St. Tydfil’s Hospital Merthyr Tydfil, Glam.

Tel. No. Merthyr 3401.

Merthyr General Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Glam.

Tel. No. Merthyr 3651.

Chest Clinic at Aberdare General Hospital, Abernant, Aberdare, Glam.

Tel. No. Aberdare 2411.

( This clinic is available on Monday and Thursday mornings)

3. Services provided by Government Departments
(a) Ministry of Central Social Security (Wales)

Central Office (Wales), Government Buildings,

St. Agnes Road, Gabalfa, Cardiff.

Tel. No. Cardiff 62131
C b ) Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel

The office is situated at the
East Entrance, Prudential Building,

Cathays Park, Cardiff.

Tel. No. Cardiff 26161.

( f ) Ministry of Social Security

The Local Office for supplementary benefits for this district is at
Glanynys, Cwmbach Road, Aberdare, Glam.

Tel. No. Aberdare 2343.

The Local Office for Pensions and National Insurance is at
4 Victoria Square, Aberdare.

Tel. No. Aberdare 2541.

C d ) Ministry of Labour and National Service

Employment Exchange, Monk Street, Aberdare, Glam.

Tel. No. Aberdare 2383.

4- General Practitioner Service

This service is provided by the
Glamorgan Executive Council,

(NationalHealth Council), Churchill House, Churchill Way, Cardiff
I el. No. Cardiff 26216.

HOUSING STATISTICS

Below are details of habitable dwelling-houses in the area

1969.

at the 31st of December

Pre-War private houses in the area
Pre-War local authority houses in the area

9,825

576

Pre-War local authority miscellaneous houses in the area
Post-War local authority miscellaneous houses in the area

Post-W ar private and Police houses in the area
Post-War local authority houses in the area . .

IO>445

1,148

2,542

14,135

During the Post-War period to the 31st December, 1969, 628 dwelling houseS
were demolished and 222 closed as unfit for human habitation — 850 houses (91 during
1969.)

The number of houses on the Council’s Estates are as follows

District

Pre 1939
War dwellings

Post 1939

Totals

Trewaun

Trenant

132

—

132

Trefelin

140

—

140

Treneol

—

Penywaun

994

1018

Llwydcoed . .

106

200

Abernant

Cwmbach

535

579

Ty Fry

—

120

Miscellaneous

Cwmdare (Maesgw'yn)

297

Aberaman

—

Hirwaun

—

342

Aberdare (Heol-y-Mynydd)

—

TOTALS

616

2,546

3,162

Types of Dwellings with Number of Bedrooms

Type

Bedrooms

No. of dwellings

B.I.S.F. Steel Dwellings

Traditional Houses . .

1,893

Traditional Houses . .

207

Flats . .

Flats

468

Flats . .

248

Bungalows

Bed-sitters

3,n8

Miscellaneous

TOTAL

3,162

ALLOCATION OF COUNCIL HOUSES

’>

'H-

U-,

^ cfv

— H vO

33 On
£ ~

| 8
--=« V

I of
family
under
10

CO CO M M

w j N W

i of
family
over
10

2
2
I

H tJ- h COOO

2 Of
family
under
10

N II M 1

vO co w rt- tn

2 Of
family
over io
same
sex

| | | N H

2
I

2 of
family
over io
oppos-
ite sex

1 M 1 1 N

3 or
more of
family
some
underio

w M | ^

3 or

more of
family
over io

1 1 ~ 1 1

"1 1 1 1

With

Families

vo tj- r-- r^vo

h oo oo m w
CO m N

C’dren

in co in

co O' m O CO

M H W W

O.A.P.

o moo o ov

M M

Contem-

plating

marriage

"INI

Not

yet

Allo-

cated

co o\\o t"' in

CO M M M

m n h in co
m N N CO t}-

Allo-

cated

co CO H O CO

-CD

H O h O' N
mm m

Total

Appli-

cants

§ w N t-~ t^oo

vO N rt* r+- in
CD vo co co 4 in
H
Z

Ward

^ H N fO rf in

c d

Total

Z *-■ N m u->

Total

Out-

side

Area

m in
co m

N M

vO N OO
^ O' co

co ^

ctf

05 ^
■*-> <U

H CD

•Q

.<
* U
T3

hJ c

< s

p ^

H <

TOTAL APPLICATIONS

HOUSING REPAIRS

I have to report similar to past years that housing repairs during the year have
not been without their unsolved problems of getting landlords to undertake repairs.
Continued efforts by the Public Health Inspectors to improve the conditions of the
older properties have resulted in a substantial number of houses being attended to,
although it has been necessary to resort to formal action in some cases.

The high cost of labour and materials continues to make the task of enforcing
housing repairs, especially in the case of the lower rented properties, a most difficult
one to deal with.

i. Inspection of Dwelling-houses during 1969

(a) Total number of dwellinghouses inspected for housing defects

under the Housing Act and Public Health Act. . . . . 503

(b) Number of Inspections made for the purpose. . . . . 1046

or injurious to health, as to be unfit for human habitation. 71

(d) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive of those referred to,

under the preceding sub-head), found not to be in all respects
reasonably fit for human habitation. . . . . . . . . 203

2. Remedy of defects during the year without service of formal

notices. . . . . . . . . . . • • • • • • 88

3. Action under Statutory Powers during the year

(1) Proceedings under Section 9, Housing Act, 1957

(a) Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices

were served requiring repairs. . . . . . . 6

(b) Number of dwelling-houses which were rendered fit

after service of formal notice. . . . . . . 2

(i) By Owners . . . . • • • • • • 2

(ii) By Local Authority in default of Owners. . . o

(2) Proceedings under the Public Health Act

(a)

Number of dwelling-houses in respect of which notices
were served requiring defects to be remedied.

(*)

Number of dwelling-houses in which defects were
remedied after service of formal notices

(i) By Owners

(ii) By Local Authority in default of the Owners . .

Proceedings

under Sections 16 and 17 of the Housing Act, 1957

Proceedings under Section 18 of the Housing Act, 1957

RENT ACT, 1957

Part 1. Applications for Certificates of Disrepair

(1) Number of applications for certificates

(2) Number of decisions not to issue certificates

(3) Number of decisions to issue certificates

(i) in respect of some but not all defects

(ii) in respect of all defects

(4) Number of Undertakings given by Landlords under paragraph
5 of the First Schedule

(5) Number of undertakings refused by Local Authority under
provision, to paragraph 5 of the First Schedule.

(6) Number of Certificates issued

Part 2. Applications for cancellation of Certificates

(7) Applications by Landlords to Local Authority for cancellation

of certificate of disrepair.

(8) Objections by Tenants to cancellation of Certificates

(9) Decisions by Local Authority to cancel in spite of Tenant’s
objection

(10) Certificates Cancelled by Local Authority

Improvement Grants, Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958, and House
Purchase and Housing Act, 1959

I have to report that during 1969 applications for improvement grants have
been received from 154 applicants. The number of applications approved during
the year was 82 and the amount involved £29,141. Since January, 1955, £322,770.16.4
has been approved to 1,275 applicants.

Action on Houses unfit for Human Habitation (Housing Act, 1957)
During 1968^ Demolition Orders served
Closing Orders served

Closing Orders served substituted by demolition orders. .
Undertakings accepted
Schemes accepted

Occupants from 45 unfit properties have been re-housed by the Local Authority,
during the year.

CARAVAN SITES AND CONTROL OF DEVELOPMENT ACT, 1960

There are three licenced major residential sites within the Urban Area, serving
for the time being at least, what seems to be a very necessary housing need.

Two of these sites each have fifty residential parking spaces making a total of
one hundred caravans, most of which are owned by the site owners. The population
of the combined sites is about three hundred, but this figure varies from month to
month due to the movement of families, some of whom seem to live very unsettled
lives.

The third site is licenced for twenty caravans, but the number allowed on site
has been restricted to six or eight pending the completed development of facilities
and services. Efforts are now being made by the owners to achieve this.

Generally speaking these sites present little trouble to the department, but
constant surveillance is necessary. The fire hazard in caravans has been a major concern
and since the inception of these sites there have been several fires in caravans, for-
tunately without injury to the occupants. Now the hazard has been considerably
reduced since each site is fully equiped with fixed fire fighting points, hydrants and
extinguishers for each caravan.

The number of single caravans parked on isolated sites through-out the area
which are the subject of a limited planning consent and site licence, have been re-
duced, (by “natural wastage” — people leaving of their own accord) from fourteen
or fifteen to only one. There are only two or three caravans in the area which are
exempt under the first Schedule of the Act.

Although improvements to the sites and to the caravans upon them are being
constantly sought, the present situation in the district is reasonably satisfactory.

NEW CREMATORIUM AT LLWYDCOED

At the present time people wishing to make use of crematorium facilities have
to travel considerable distance to the existing crematoriums at Pontypridd and Cwmbran
Realisation of this fact prompted Merthyr and Aberdare authorities to work for the
establishment of a new crematorium sited at the Head of the Valleys.

This joint project of the Aberdare U.D.C. and the Merthyr Borough Council
was approved by the Welsh Office and during 1969 work commenced at Llwydcocd
on a new crematorium which is designed to serve a population of 200,000 in North
Glamorgan, part of North Monmouthshire and South Breconshire.

It is hoped that the work described as “long overdue” will be completed at
the end of 1970.

SUMMARY OF WORK DONE BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTORS

DURING THE YEAR

Number of houses and premises inspected
Number of houses and premises re-visited
Number of Notices served — preliminary
Number of Notices served — statutory. .

Number of houses repaired
Closet cleansed or repaired
Flush tanks renewed
New closets erected to existing buildings
Yards paved or repaired
Defective house roofs repaired
Defective walls repaired
Defective chimneys repaired
Defective ceilings repaired
Defective floors repaired
Defective doors repaired or renewed . .

Defective windows repaired or renewed
Defective fireplaces repaired or renewed
Defective ovens renewed
New Eaves, Gutters and downpipes fixed
Accumulation of refuse removed
Other nuisances abated

Number of milk samples taken for examination
Number of water samples taken for bacteriological examination
Number of water samples taken for chemical examination
Number of verminous houses inspected
Number of samples taken for food and drugs examination
Number of infectious disease cases investigated

Disinfection

Number of houses fumigated after infectious diseases
Number of articles disinfected
Number of articles destroyed

Drain Testing

Number of drains tested

Number of drains relaid

Number of drains cleansed or repaired

Number of drains connected to sewer

Bakehouses
Number on register
Number of visits of inspection
Number of defects remedied . .

Lodging-Houses
Number on register
Number of visits of inspection

Dairies and Milkshops
Number on register
Number of visits of Inspection
Number of defects remedied

503

743

119

158

160

167

125

1 2 1
106
93

151

163

246

333

121

245

299

LSI

106

169

470

168

Appendix

Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health in respect of the year igfcg
for the Urban District Council of Aberdare in the County of Glamorgan.
Prescribed Particulars on the Administration of the Factories Act, 1961.

Part I of the Act

1. — Inspections for purposes of provisions as to health (including inspections
made by Public Health Inspectors).

Premises

(1)

Number

(2)

Number

Inspections

(3)

Written
notices
(4) ••

Occupiers

prosecuted

(5)

(i) Factories in which Sec-
tions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are
to be enforced by Local
Authorities

(ii) Factories not included in
(i) in which Section 7 is
enforced by the Local
Authority

(iii) Other Premises in which
Section 7 is enforced by
the Local Authority (ex-
cluding out-workers’ pre-
mises)

l6l

TOTAL

190

—

2. — Cases in which Defects were found —

(If defects are discovered at the premises on two, three or more separate occasions
they should be reckoned as two, three or more “ cases.”)

(1)

Numbe

r of cases in

which defe

cts were

cases in

which prosecu-
tions were
instituted
(6)

Found

(2)

Remedied

(3)

Referred
To H.M.
Inspector
(4)

By H.M.
Inspector
(5)

Want of cleanliness

(Si)

Overcrowding (S.2.)

Unreasonable tem-
perature (S.3.) . .

Inadaquate ventila-
tion (S.4.)

—

Numbt

;r of cases in
foi

which defects were
jnd

Number of

Particulars

(*)

Found

(2)

Remedied

(3)

Refe

To H.M.
Inspector
(4)

rred

By H.M.
Inspector
(5)

which prose-
cutions
instituted
(6)

Ineffective drainage
of floors (S.6.)

—

Sanitary Convenien-
ces (S.7.) —

(a) Insufficent . .

(b) Unsuitable
or defective . .

—

Other offences ag-
ainst the Act (not
including offences
relating to Out-
work)

TOTAL . .

—

J. LLEWELLYN WILLIAMS

M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H. (LONDON)
Medical Officer of Health

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